Author Jacqueline Jules wrote this wonderful book based on the experiences of her own students. We chose this book as part of our Mosaic school-wide rAuthor Jacqueline Jules wrote this wonderful book based on the experiences of her own students. We chose this book as part of our Mosaic school-wide reading project this year that uses globally diverse literature. Our school hosts more than 100 international students each year who visit the United States while their parents are studying at the National Defense University. This book provides a true reflection of these new students experiences, as well as an honest account of how some of other students feel. ...more

The second installment of the Lunar Chronicles finds Cinder on the run from the evil Lunar Queen Levana, and introduces readers to Scarlet, whose storThe second installment of the Lunar Chronicles finds Cinder on the run from the evil Lunar Queen Levana, and introduces readers to Scarlet, whose story is interwoven into Cinder's history. This is another YA sequel that is stronger than the first; Laini Taylor's Days of Blood & Starlight fall into this category. ...more

Tess is a slightly superstious 11 year old living on a small island off the coast of Maine. She's dealing with her best friend's move to the mainlandTess is a slightly superstious 11 year old living on a small island off the coast of Maine. She's dealing with her best friend's move to the mainland and the possibility of her family moving from the only home she's ever known. Due to the small number of students, the island's only school may close. In order to delay the closure, island families offer to host foster children to increase the number of children enrolled in the school. Tess' family hosts Aaron, who has bounced since he was five; his mother is an alcoholic and unable to care for him. After his beloved grandmother's death, Aaron lived with different families and comes to the island with his guard up and few possessions, including a trumpet. Lord tenderly weaves Tess' story with Aaron's as they slowly reconcile their hopes and dreams with their realities. This lovely story addresses many themes, including family, traditions, and abandonment. Great book for a classroom read aloud, teaching about superstitions (and inferencing), as well as for text-to-text connections with Newbery books dealing with many of these same issues, such as The Great Gilly Hopkins and Bud, Not Buddy....more

Another wonderful book by John Green. In his typical fashion, he deftly tackles difficult subjects (death, dying, coming of age, relationships) with cAnother wonderful book by John Green. In his typical fashion, he deftly tackles difficult subjects (death, dying, coming of age, relationships) with clear and honest insights. I loved this book....more

This lovely book honestly explores many themes, including self-identity and depression. Sonia is half-Jewish, half-Indian and sometimes finds it diffiThis lovely book honestly explores many themes, including self-identity and depression. Sonia is half-Jewish, half-Indian and sometimes finds it difficult to figure out where she fits in. Race, ethnicity, and religion really weren't an issue when she was attending a small private school. However, she's thrust into the public middle school when her father lost his job.

The transition is difficult for Sonia. Suddenly she's navigating middle school with all its trials and tribulations revolving around friendships, popularity, and self-identity. At the same time, she's trying to understand her family's new economic realities, her parents' choices, and her father's slide into depression. She feels torn in many ways and ultimately realizes that she's the sum of "all those pieces coming together to make thing--one beautiful thing."...more

It's the end of fourth grade, and Katie is dreading summer break. Her best friend is leaving town and she's stuck with her frenemy, Claire. To top offIt's the end of fourth grade, and Katie is dreading summer break. Her best friend is leaving town and she's stuck with her frenemy, Claire. To top off Katie's worries, there's a possibility that her family will have to move to Portland. She lives with her father and younger brother, and her mother is a famous country star who put her career and stardom before her family. Katie has an honest voice, and deals with many issues that children face including abandonment, acceptance, family relationships, and friendship. Anne Warren Smith delicately and deftly balances these weighty issues with warmth and humor. A great middle grade read....more

None of Chibi’s classmates understand him, and make fun of him. He simply sees the world in a different way. As he grows up, Chibi eventually shines uNone of Chibi’s classmates understand him, and make fun of him. He simply sees the world in a different way. As he grows up, Chibi eventually shines under the guidance of a new and caring teacher, and shows that he has hidden talents.

This is story of acceptance and perseverance. Yashima uses a simple palette and color pencil drawings to tell the story of Chibi. He does an excellent job in helping to translate how Chibi views the world around him. This lovely book would be wonderful in any elementary classroom to teach children about acceptance and tolerance....more

It is hard to put in words the impact of this amazing book by R.J. Palacio. August Pullman was born with a rare facial deformity and has been homeschoIt is hard to put in words the impact of this amazing book by R.J. Palacio. August Pullman was born with a rare facial deformity and has been homeschooled while he underwent (and recovered from) many reconstructive surgeries. In many ways, Auggie is a "normal" kid who loves Star Wars, yet he is wise beyond his years. As he enters fifth-grade, his parents decide to send him to a small private school and his ensuing experiences provides the plot line for the book.

Auggie's story is told in many voices from his own to his sister's to his new friends. Using this device, we learn that each of the characters recognize their faults and come to terms with their own flaws. Readers can learn many lessons in acceptance, compassion, courage, determination, and kindness from Auggie Pullman and Wonder. It is a must-read and should be in all school libraries and upper grade classrooms.

I read this book right after finishing The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. The similarity between these books is striking from the design of the book covers to the characters of Auggie and Gus. Both of these characters, like the universe (as John Green says), beg to be noticed. Depending on the source, the root of their names-August--means great, majestic, or venerated and Auggie and Gus certainly live up to their name....more